While it’s not exactly considered an upper-tier rivalry in Spain -- certainly paling in comparison to El Clasico and the cross-town rivalry in Madrid, the Derbi Barceloni between Barcelona and Espanyol could prove important this time around, with Barcelona marching seemingly inexorably towards the La Liga title.
Espanyol vs. Barcelona live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
The Derbi Barceloni could see Barcelona take a crucial step closer to the La Liga title as they look to see off Espanyol.
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The local rivalry has been contested 161 times, the most of any Spanish derby, and has seen Barcelona win a whopping 92 times. If Espanyol can find a way to upset the odds and win, though, not only will they improve their respectably midtable standing, they could also potentially knock Barcelona out of the top spot in the table in the process. That would be an awfully sweet prize for Espanyol, so you should expect to see even more vim and vigor from a side that already shows a lot of it in most matches.
Key player - Neymar (Barcelona)
While Lionel Messi is the player most everyone always thinks of first when they think of Barcelona, Neymar has been in absolutely phenomenal form over the last few weeks. He almost single-handedly beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and as fun as Espanyol can be, they aren’t PSG. Unless he’s rested, Espanyol are going to have to pay special attention to Neymar to keep him from running rampant -- something that won’t be easy with Messi and Luis Suarez around.
Key Matchup - José Alberto Cañas (Espanyol) vs. Xavi (Barcelona)
Cañas has enjoyed a solid campaign in the middle of Espanyol’s midfield, helping slow down opposing attacks while distributing the balls up the pitch to his attackers. His drive and versatility has been an asset for the smaller club, and has been a key element to them earning a comfortably midtable standing and offering a regular challenge to some of the bigger clubs in the league. With Xavi likely to start, Cañas will likely be the man assigned to harry the venerable midfielder, and if he can keep Xavi off-balance, it will make Espanyol’s job at trying to tip the balance much easier.
Espanyol injuries and suspensions
Out: Victor Sanchez (suspension), Felipe Mattioni (knee) In doubt: none
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Thomas Vermaelen (knee) In doubt: none
Match Date/Time: Saturday, 10:00 a.m. ET, 4:00 p.m. local
Venue: Power8 Stadium, Barcelona, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. & Canada - English), beIN Sports in Español (U.S. - Spanish), Canal+ Liga/HD (Spain), Sky Sports 5/HD (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. & Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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